Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Celebrities


The Chevrolet Corvair has gotten a bad rap. Ralph Nader took aim at the car in his 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed, and its reputation has never really recovered. But now, Jay Leno looks at a largely forgotten portion of the Corvair legacy in his latest video. Don Yenko, best known for his modified Camaros, saw the Corvair's performance potential and built 100 upgraded cars in 1966 called the Stinger.

Leno's Stinger is a Stage 2 model and is in fabulous shape, comprised of mostly original parts. It packs a 164-cubic-inch (2.7-liter), air-cooled, flat-six engine with 190 horsepower. In addition to the more powerful engine, the Yenko cars received a fiberglass trunk lid with air intakes, upgraded brakes, improved suspension and a slightly revised interior. The only major change to Leno's car is the 15-inch wheels.

Scroll down to get the full scoop on this mostly forgotten part of '60s Chevy history, and learn that the Corvair has been unfairly maligned in automotive history.Continue reading Jay Leno revisits Chevy Corvair legacy with 1966 Yenko Stinger
Jay Leno revisits Chevy Corvair legacy with 1966 Yenko Stinger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

More...